Japan and China resume warship exchanges

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) and the Chinese Navy plan to resume warship exchanges for the first time since 2011, as the two sides step up defense exchanges to prevent accidental clashes at sea, Kyodo news agency reported on October 21, citing Japanese government sources.
The proposal is expected to be agreed when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his three-day visit to Beijing starting on October 25. This is Abe's first visit to China to mainly discuss bilateral issues rather than attend international conferences since he returned to power in 2012.
Japan may invite a Chinese warship to participate in an MSDF exercise scheduled for October 2019.
Earlier, informed sources said that Japan and China established a bilateral communication mechanism last June and during Mr. Abe's upcoming visit, the two sides are expected to sign an agreement to facilitate cooperation in maritime search and rescue operations in waters off the two countries.

A Chinese political scientist said Beijing is involved in a series of trade and military disputes with the US and they "always improve relations with Japan when their relations with the US deteriorate".